Recorded presentation

Patricia De Leon, Guatemala Office, JHPIEGO, 4a calle "A" 13-12 sector B2 San Cristobal, Zona 8 de Mixco, Guatemala, Guatemala, 011-502-443-2560, pdeleon@jhpiego.org.gt, Robert Ainslie, MAIA, Center for Communication Programs, The Johns Hopkins University, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202, Gloria Metcalfe, RM, MPH, Maternal and Neonatal Health Program, JHPIEGO Corporation, 1615 Thames Street, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21231, and Carol A. Tumaylle, MPH, Latin America and the Caribbean Region, JHPIEGO, 1615 Thames Street, Suite 204, Baltimore, MD 21231.

Interventions to improve community knowledge of complications during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period, as well as improving the quality of care at Ministry of Health facilities, are critical for increasing the demand for health services in Guatemala. Experiences organizing communities to be prepared to help women with obstetric emergencies (pre and post partum) at the community level will be presented. A core component of community organization is the development of community emergency plans. The plans provide a framework for helping women and newborns receive timely life-saving care. These plans are developed through an interactive and participatory approach that engages communities to respond to safe motherhood issues. The presentation will elaborate on five steps used for community organizing (promote community action; promote community dialogue and analysis of health issues; plan together; collective action; participatory evaluation). Communities develop plans that identify local resources (including funds and transportation), key actors and responsibilities, and outreach mechanisms to ensure that pregnant women and their families are aware of the plans. In the final stage they are able to evaluate the process, and based on identified needs, can adapt plans accordingly. Examples of communities and individuals who have put into practice emergency plans to successfully evacuate women to hospitals during obstetric emergencies will be presented. Presenter will also outline parallel efforts to improve quality of care for women who seek medical attention in 154 facilities, using a Performance and Quality Improvement process that includes community input.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to

• understand how communities working together can ensure timely care for pregnant women with obstetric emergencies
• describe five steps vital in community mobilization for safe motherhood
• see importance of linking community efforts to work geared towards improved health care services
• analyze how community emergency plans can help improve care-seeking behaviors

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Partnership JHU/CCP, JHPIEGO, CEDPA, PATH; Calidad en Salud; Ministry of Health/Guatemala; USAID
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employed by JHPIEGO

Recorded presentation